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Opening Wednesday, Feb 11th. Now taking reservations. Yūgen brings an elevated Japanese fine dining experience to Sarasota. This 10-seat, reservation-only chef’s counter is led by Executive Chef Atsushi Okawara, formerly of Michelin-starred Den in Miami Beach and Kenzo in Napa Valley. Guests enjoy a multi-course kaiseki tasting highlighting seasonality, artistry, and both hot and cold Japanese preparations—from raw and grilled to simmered and fried. Set within an intimate, minimalist space adjacent to Zōtō at the University Town Center, Yūgen offers a serene, chef-driven experience complemented by an expertly curated wine, sake, and cocktail program by Michelin-recognized Sommelier of the Year Benjamin Coutts.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 190 N Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243
Phone: (941) 414-6143
Website: https://yugenfl.com/
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
Related Web Results
Yūgen
Yūgen. Open Menu Close Menu. ABOUT · MENU · CHEF ATSUSHI · PRESS · RESERVE … Location. 190 N Cattlemen Rd Sarasota, FL. Contact. Hours: Wed-Sun 5PM & 8PM.
Yūgen – University Town Center Sarasota
The West District at UTC Sarasota … Sarasota’s first true omakase experience, Yūgen is an intimate, 10-seat, reservation-only chef’s counter created by James …
Yūgen Restaurant – Sarasota, FL | OpenTable
Yūgen is a 10-seat Japanese chef’s counter offering Sarasota’s first kaiseki experience. Led by Executive Chef Atsushi Okawara—formerly of one-Michelin-star Den …
Reviews
Penelope Gutiérrez
Truly a wonderful experience. Different flavor profiles throughout the whole meal. Definitely coming back. Menu also changes frequently.
… moresomeone
Hassun
Seasonal bites. Was happy to see icefish and firefly squid. The crab was good, though I did run into some shell pieces
Otsukuri
The squid was goos with that gentle sweetness and slight chew I love
Yakimono
Rich, buttery, and deeply savory. Excellent
Onomono
Super tender and fragrant. Even as someone who doesn’t usually love wagyu, this one hit
… moreSeasonal bites. Was happy to see icefish and firefly squid. The crab was good, though I did run into some shell pieces
Otsukuri
The squid was goos with that gentle sweetness and slight chew I love
Yakimono
Rich, buttery, and deeply savory. Excellent
Onomono
Super tender and fragrant. Even as someone who doesn’t usually love wagyu, this one hit
Ivory Valencia
Yūgen is an exceptional addition to the Sarasota dining scene. With only ten seats, the experience feels intimate, thoughtful, and truly special from start to finish. Every detail is intentional, and the quality of the food is impeccable.
The rock fish was outstanding, and the wagyu was unforgettable; perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. Sarasota truly needed an upscale, refined dining experience like this, and Yūgen delivers.
It was the perfect date night, and I will absolutely be returning. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a unique, elevated culinary experience in Sarasota.
… moreThe rock fish was outstanding, and the wagyu was unforgettable; perfectly prepared and beautifully presented. Sarasota truly needed an upscale, refined dining experience like this, and Yūgen delivers.
It was the perfect date night, and I will absolutely be returning. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a unique, elevated culinary experience in Sarasota.
xizi Hong
It was a very enjoyable experience. I really liked the way that chief changed the traditional nigiri course into a sushi don — a creative touch that felt both satisfying and well thought out. The quality of the ingredients was excellent, and the flavors were rich and well balanced. The sake pairing was also quite unique, with some refreshing and interesting selections.
… moreChris Sang
Kaiseki and omakase are my favorite forms of dining, so we went to Yugen with muted expectations (this is Florida, after all). But when the staff meticulously prepared the sushi rice in an enormous hangiri right in front of us, I sat up with realization that we were about to experience something special. And what a sublime dining experience Chef Atsushi conjured up. The flavors, colors, presentation, and the thoughtful sake pairing, flowed like enchanting music for rest of the evening.
Chef Atsushi has the courage to go beyond the familiar hits that satisfies the masses for his nigiri, like the sea trout that swims upstream in spring and goes by “sakura”. Seated at the counter, it was a joy to watch him move with purpose, making every nigiri himself with no staff allowed to touch, no wasted motion, the confidence of a master.
The intimate dining room, warm wood tones, good lighting & music, and the attentive staff leaning into providing an elevated experience were all quite special. Thank you for an amazing evening.
… moreChef Atsushi has the courage to go beyond the familiar hits that satisfies the masses for his nigiri, like the sea trout that swims upstream in spring and goes by “sakura”. Seated at the counter, it was a joy to watch him move with purpose, making every nigiri himself with no staff allowed to touch, no wasted motion, the confidence of a master.
The intimate dining room, warm wood tones, good lighting & music, and the attentive staff leaning into providing an elevated experience were all quite special. Thank you for an amazing evening.
Laura De Oliveira
An amazing experience, unlike anything else you have had in sarasota. Chef Atsushi Okawara is masterful in every presentation.
… moreEdward Ricer
The best experience I’ve had in Sarasota by far!! Trust the chef, Trust the Sommelier, Trust the team. Well worth it and I’ll be back again!!
… moreJC Malkin
Yūgen is, without question, operating at the highest level of dining in the Sarasota–Manatee area—arguably among the most elevated restaurants on Florida’s entire West Coast. Every detail feels intentional, from the precision of the cooking to the polish of the service, creating a refined experience that goes well beyond a typical “nice night out.”
… moreEvan Benderson
An amazing dinning experience prepared by Atsushi Okawara and his team. Embracing the seasonal flavors of Japan. Goes far beyond your typical Omakase. A must visit.
… more